Playing for Hearts: The Complete Series

By Debra Kayn

There's something undeniably sexy about a man in uniform. No matter their sport, these strong, talented heroes know how to get your pulse racing:

• Wildly: Former Wimbledon champion Grayson Schyler discovers the gal he once knew as wild child Shauna Marino is still trouble: She makes his life sweeter one moment - and hell the next.
• Seductively: Russian hockey player Dominic Chekovsky appeals to B&B owner Diana Spenner to help him even the score by doing the impossible: keep his adoring female fans in check.
• Conveniently: Juan Santiago, a two-time gold medalist on the U.S. Olympic men's downhill ski team, has been warned to avoid a scandal. Will marrying a CEO's daughter, Dana Reese, on a whim wipe out everything he's worked for?
• Secretly: There's no way in hell Gary Satchel, wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, will let his best bud's sister, Angie Swanson, move in with him when she's down on her luck. But there's no such thing as a safety play when it comes to love.
• Surprisingly: Bruce Coldwell, world-class pro bass fisherman, creates the perfect bait to hook a supermodel - he asks his friend and her neighbor, Crista Johnson, to pose as his lover. Ah, but Bruce might've reeled in the wrong fish . . . um, woman. Hook, line, and sinker!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Release date: Apr 13, 2015
• ISBN: 9781440590856

Debra Kayn

An Adams Media author.

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Contents

Wildly

Seductively

Conveniently

Secretly

Surprisingly

Crimson Sneak Peek

Wildly cover

Wildly

Debra Kayn

Crimson Romance logo

Avon, Massachusetts

This edition published by

Crimson Romance

an imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

57 Littlefield Street

Avon, MA 02322

www.crimsonromance.com

Copyright © 2012 by Debra Kayn

ISBN 10: 1-4405-6407-8

ISBN 13: 978-1-4405-6407-9

eISBN 10: 1-4405-6408-6

eISBN 13: 978-1-4405-6408-6

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, corporations, institutions, organizations, events, or locales in this novel are either the product of the author’s imagination or, if real, used fictitiously. The resemblance of any character to actual persons (living or dead) is entirely coincidental.

Cover art © 123rf.com

Acknowledgments

To Miranda — For all your help on keeping it real, and the many times you listened as I worked out the many directions Grayson wanted to take me. What a ride! Thank you!

To Hubs — Yeah, I’m still crushin’ on you, baby.

To my editor, Jess — For the wonderful work, for letting me keep my voice, and for loving Wildly as much as I do.

To my mom (and my dad who passed away) — Thank you for never missing a tennis match, softball game, basketball game and shelling out the money for all the tennis lessons, camps, and tournaments. Plus, the outfits, the hundreds of Nike shoes, the rackets, the strings, the cases and visors. It meant the world to me.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

About the Author

Chapter One

Shauna Marino walked toward the front door of Schyler Tennis Center — or straight to hell — she wouldn’t know for sure until she stood before Grayson Schyler with her heart in her hand. With a toss of her hair and a fortifying breath, she forced herself to take the last remaining steps to face her past. If she’d planned the epic occasion better, she would’ve brought a bottle of tequila along to soften the outcome.

The wind caught the outer door and slammed it shut behind her with an ominous whoosh. She flinched, and then tried to hide her shaky reaction of being back in Grayson’s territory by wiping the palm of her hand on the front of her white tennis skirt. She hadn’t seen him in over six years, but the same anxiety-excitement-fear emotional cocktail threatened her resolve to pull this meeting off with class and calmness.

She inspected the front of her light pink, sleeveless polo shirt and flicked at an imaginary piece of lint. The odds were good that Grayson wouldn’t even recognize her. Not at first, anyway.

No longer the innocent teenager, gangly and wilder than the coastal winds, always diving headfirst into whatever feelings ruled the moment, she hoped to rekindle her friendship with Grayson. Before she could show him how much she’d changed though, she’d have to prove she’d left her old ways behind her.

Hi. Can I help you? To the right of the door, a young man behind the front desk stood up from his perch at the computer and approached the counter.

I have a lesson with Grayson at eleven. My name’s Shauna. She stared straight ahead, her heart beating wildly in her chest.

When she’d called and made the appointment, she’d left only her first name — spelled the wrong way to be on the safe side. The idea to keep Grayson in the dark about her return had seemed brilliant at the time. She didn’t want him reminded of how she’d made a complete fool of herself all through high school with her wild crush on him. She hoped the element of surprise would be enough to knock him speechless when they finally did come face to face.

Maybe then she would be able to utter the two words she should’ve said years ago. I’m sorry.

She looked up at the oversized poster of Grayson holding the Wimbledon trophy. Warmth beat out the nervousness inside her stomach, and she leaned forward. She’d never missed one of Grayson’s matches on television, or an opportunity to be with him back when she’d still lived at home. It seemed like her whole life revolved around loving Grayson.

He’d started out as her idol when she was twelve years old and he was nineteen. Then, during the winters, when he came home in the off-season to teach at the tennis center, she’d used whatever creative act she could think up to spend time with him. Despite their age difference, they’d become friends. He’d fascinated her with his world travels, his responsibilities, and his goals. He was the young man who thought she was a funny kid, and she’d done whatever possible to make him laugh.

Shauna caught herself tapping the counter with her fingernail and stopped.

Looking back, she knew she’d gone overboard more often than naught, much to the disgrace of the town. But she could also point out that she and Grayson had supported each other while they’d dealt with their own individual hurts. They’d connected on a level that exceeded the normal friendships that came and went. She rubbed her arm. He’d meant everything to her. Smart, ambitious, and compassionate, he’d shown her that someone cared about her.

It wasn’t until she’d turned sixteen that her world spiraled out of control, and she’d fallen head over heels in love with Grayson. She no longer saw him as her mentor, her coach, and she couldn’t accept why he’d suddenly pushed her away and left their friendship behind.

For two years, she’d gone to the extreme to reconnect with him, much to his anger. Finally, on her eighteenth birthday, she’d had enough. She was an adult, and he could no longer tell her she was a child and to stay away.

She’d shown up at his office with only her long coat covering her naked body. She swallowed at remembering how his eyes flared as she’d explained why she’d come to him. The intensity in which he’d jerked the edges of her coat closed, turned her around, and pushed her out the door devastated her.

After that, he had nothing to do with her and she’d finally accepted that she’d lost her best friend. On that horrible day when she’d decided to give everything to Grayson, her dad met her on the front porch when she’d arrived home, rejected, hurting, and broken. Grayson had ratted her out, and she was in trouble. Her stomach flipped and she inhaled deeply. Not long after, her father claimed to have had enough of her shenanigans and sent her away to college to grow up.

She’d done her best to move on with her life, and experience more of the world while attending Cal State, to forget about her past. She’d excelled in school, made friends, and a new life for herself. But, the time had come to return to where she’d grown up and repair her reputation. Are you a registered member here? the clerk asked.

She shook her head. No. A guest.

At one time, she’d spent every day improving her game under the guise of being close to Grayson, but she’d dropped her membership and the sport completely when her dad surprised her and sent her to Cal State. She spun the handle of her graphite racket. Away from home, she’d waited for her feelings to change, but instead her feelings for Grayson had grown stronger.

That’ll be thirty-five dollars. The man held out his hand, and proceeded to scan her debit card before handing it back to her. Grayson will be finishing his lesson in — he looked up at the clock — five minutes. Go ahead and go through the double doors behind you. You’ll be playing on the clay court. If you want to warm up now, you’ll be all ready when he’s done. If you need anything else, my name’s Daniel.

Thank you, Daniel. She kept to the right of the counter, crossed the large lobby where onlookers gathered to observe the three indoor courts, and pushed through the double doors leading to the play area. Back to back, the grass, concrete, and clay surfaces provided every player the opportunity to practice on different playing fields.

She dawdled behind the ceiling-to-floor curtain used to block off the pathway behind the courts from flying tennis balls. She peeked between the openings of the fabric to the first court. What would one little look hurt?

Six feet away, Grayson stood with his back to her. Her stomach fluttered. All smooth, firm lines of his six-foot killer body, so close, so touchable, so out of her league. He hadn’t changed a bit.

He still wore his sandy brown hair longer than most guys did, the ends only beginning to curl as they skimmed the collar of his T-shirt. His broad shoulders bunched and bulged beneath his shirt. His strong arm swung the racket in a smooth arch, showing his raw talent for the sport.

She held her breath, afraid he’d sense her behind him. Her gaze lowered to the white tennis shorts hugging his muscular ass and pulling tighter every time he moved his legs. Solid legs that left her clenching the curtain in her hand for support. Legs she would’ve recognized anywhere.

Last set, Jason. Let’s make each stroke count. Grayson reached into his pocket and pulled out a tennis ball, effortlessly sailing it over the net with the ease of a lifetime of practice. Follow through …

Shauna dropped the curtain, panting. Oh my God. What am I doing?

She hurried down the aisle to the appointed court and jogged out into the playing area. Keeping her back to the other players on the grass court, she raised the racket above her head with both hands and leaned to the side, stretching her back. Then she bounced on her toes and warmed up her leg muscles. At best, she hoped to muster up enough skill to play a decent game and hit the ball over the net.

If Grayson were willing to see past their history, if she could convince him she’d matured, if she proved her worth, maybe he’d believe that she’d returned a changed woman. She caught herself clutching the end of her skirt, and quickly rubbed any possible wrinkles out of the material. If she could step back into the community and erase her reputation as the wild girl of Cottage Grove, her life would finally get back on track from when she’d derailed at twelve years old.

She wasn’t coming back as Tony Marino’s daughter, or the child whose mother had abandoned her, or Grayson’s biggest pain in the ass.

Shauna would never live down all the embarrassing things she did in the name of love as a teenager. Trailing Grayson around town, telling everyone who would listen how much she loved him, leaving him gifts, even throwing herself at him, only to be turned down cold in the end. And all through it, the whole town was laughing at her, the wild child who was obsessed with the town’s golden boy.

No, she had a much more important job to do.

Two weeks ago, the city of Cottage Grove had hired her to head the Chamber of Commerce. She had plans, and if it were the last thing she tried to do, she’d impress everyone. And, maybe then, she could let go of all her guilt.

If she failed to prove she wasn’t going to hurt Grayson now that she was back, then she’d have to figure out a way to move on with the black cloud hovering over her. Granted it would be with a broken heart, but she’d survive. She always did.

Out of her peripheral vision, the curtain parted. She lowered her arms and faced her lifelong love with the grace of someone who knew exactly what she wanted, terrified she’d screw up once again. I can do this. I’ve changed. I’m strong. I’m mature. I’m … such a goner.

Shauna? Grayson held out his hand. I’m your instructor, Grayson.

She pried her tongue off the roof of her mouth and met his gaze while reaching for the handshake. If she accomplished anything, she hoped it was the ability to keep her game face on for the next hour. Hello, Grayson.

Chapter Two

Shauna’s sultry voice trickled over him like warm honey and his body hardened in male appreciation. How the hell could he have not met this woman before?

The corner of Shauna’s mouth twitched, and the most adorable dimple showed on her right cheek. Grayson sucked in his breath, his tennis racket fell to the court, and he stepped back. Oh, hell no.

He squinted, trying to see the girl who’d followed him around when she was younger. The girl who had used every excuse to flirt and throw herself at him. He shook his head. No. Not possible. She wasn’t supposed to come back.

The Shauna he knew wore her hair in a braid and no makeup, and always had a curious glint in her eye that left him glancing behind him for a way to escape. He studied her harder. Jesus. Is it … ?

Her thick, wavy black hair lay wild around her shoulders, accenting the green flecks in brown eyes meant to seduce men much like a cobra ready to strike. He stared at the front of her shirt and licked his lips. The large, firm breasts she used to hide under loose T-shirts pressed against the snug fabric, and he knew without touching her the plumpness would overflow in his hands.

He leaned down and picked up his racket, taking the time to follow the length of her long legs down to the new athletic shoes. Why are you here?

I haven’t played for six years. She inhaled a deep breath, which had him glancing up at her chest again. I’m ready to get back in the game …

The rest of her words blurred in his mind, leaving him frowning. He studied the way she shrugged her shoulder and seemed almost self-conscious. Something clicked inside of him, but he had to be wrong.

He put his racket under his elbow and crossed his arms. What are you up to?

She paused long enough to let the question sink in, seemed to talk herself into answering, and nodded. I have something important I’d like to talk over with you.

Now? He struggled to talk past the constriction in his chest.

Another time. A smile fringed on the corner of her lips. I paid for an hour’s worth of tennis, and I mean to have you all to myself for sixty minutes.

Her admission struck a chord within him. He didn’t know whether to be enthralled or frightened. Unable to deny himself the pleasure of watching her run around, he raised his brow. He wasn’t going to give her an inch.

Make that fifty minutes, he said. The clock’s ticking.

Then we better play. She laid her racket over her shoulder, pivoted, and jogged to the other side of the court.

He watched the sway of her hips, the short ruffle of her skirt brushing her long legs, and groaned. Caught up in the past, remembering the last time he’d seen her lush body naked, he waited for her to get into position. The whole time, he wondered if she’d come back to make him pay for what he’d done.

Considering their history together, he had no idea how she was maintaining the calm demeanor. He was the mature one, the responsible one, the coach. He rotated his shoulders, hit the ball back across the net, and studied her. Her form was the last thing on his mind.

She’d changed. A lot. No longer uncoordinated, unsure, and unavailable. He ran up to the net, and smashed the ball on her side of the court. Victory was short as she ran after the ball.

It was unfair of him to take his frustration out on her. She was here for a lesson. Why?

He’d heard that from the moment she’d left Cottage Grove she’d forgotten to pick up the racket again. She’d submerged herself into school and her sorority. That was what he’d wanted for her. She wasn’t like him. Tennis was in his blood, but she’d had other things that pushed her in life. At one time, he took all her attention.

She’d flattered his young ego. He’d depended on her. And when he’d realized how he was feeling toward her, he’d sent her away.

He caught the toe of his sneaker on the court. The ball sailed past him, and he clenched his teeth together. If he didn’t start concentrating, she was going to kick his ass.

Lengthen your arm. You’re still holding your elbow too close to your body. He used his racket to drag a ball over to the side of his foot, and with a quick flick of his wrist, he caught the airborne ball. Give me a forehand.

She swung, extending her arm fully. He took in the length of her limb. Long, lean, and tan. She might only be five foot six, but her legs gave the allusion of height.

Good. He hit the ball to her.

Over and over, he drove the ball to her right side. He was an automatic machine, returning volley for volley without taking his eyes off her.

Why was she here?

No one had informed him of her coming for a visit. The last time he’d talked to her dad, he’d shared with him that Shauna was working close to where she’d gone to school. She was supposed to have a job in human resources or working in the office of some small business, and was supposed to be happy.

She did appear happy. If there was a problem with her dad, she hid it well. He gazed into her face. He used to be able to read every emotion she threw at him, but today she wasn’t allowing him to see what she was thinking.

Come up to the net. He popped a ball high, letting her run to the middle of the court.

The rosy splash on her cheeks belied her aloofness. He moved closer, hitting softer to make up for running her hard with the forehands. He narrowed his eyes. Was she smirking?

Why are you here, Shauna? He continued their rally.

She stretched, returned the lob. I told you. I wanted to play.

Tennis or with me?

Tennis.

He missed the ball she hit wide, and hurried to pick up a loose one next to the net. Are you staying with your dad?

Yes. She twirled the racket in her hand, swaying from one foot to the other. For now.

Unable to go on with the interrogation, he turned his back. Take a basket of balls, and go line up and serve.

He strolled to the back of the court, and pressed his back against the curtain. Winded and sweating, he had nothing to blame it on — except the fact that she made him nervous. He needed space and time to figure out if she’d come back to pay him for what he’d done six years ago. She was never supposed to know.

Shauna jogged over in front of him, set the wire basket down, and turned her back to him. From here, he could check her out without her watching him. He zeroed in on her skirt. Damn, she’d filled out nicely. It was true. Some women were late bloomers. He’d had no idea she’d grow into her lanky body, but she did. Nicely.

She leaned over, paddled the ball three times against the clay, paused, tossed the ball up in the air, stretched — his gaze followed the length of her back — and swung. His heart pounded against his chest.

For five minutes, he tortured himself watching her serve. When there were only a few balls left, he couldn’t stand it anymore. He had to touch her, to believe that she was here, that she’d come back, and that she wasn’t killing him yet.

Hang on. He walked up behind her, close enough to reach out and sink his hands into her hair. Line your feet up into position.

She scooted her feet apart, put her left toe behind the line, and waited. He circled his arm around her, and planted his palm in the middle of her flat stomach. The muscles in her body tensed, and he grinned behind her back. The scared little bird act brought him back to years past, when she’d try to seduce him, but the minute he’d show her any attention, she’d flutter out of his reach.

Except this time, she didn’t move away. Her body slowly melted against him. He wrapped his fingers around her right hand, and slowly raised it above her head, stretching her up until she was standing on the tips of her toes. In this position, she fit into the curve of his body, and he wasn’t immune. He swallowed.

Right there. He held her in place. When you’re extending, reaching, you were bending forward. You need to keep your shoulders back, your lower back arched.

O-okay. She shuddered.

Not letting her go, he whispered, Tell me again why you’re here.

I got a j-job. At city hall here in Cottage Grove. Her arm shook, and he lowered his hand, not letting go of her.

Should I be worried?

She shook her head.

He stepped back before his reaction showed. Continue.

Not watching, he picked up a few of the balls. A job? That meant she was back for good, or until she screwed up and got herself fired. Going by her record, that shouldn’t be too long. A week, maybe, a month at most.

He jogged to the other side of the court. Last ball. Let’s play one set to finish.

The racket seemed heavy in his hand, and he leaned over into position, ready to return her serve. He chuckled to himself. This was Shauna he was worrying over unnecessarily. No matter what she tried, he’d be ready. She never got the best of him. He was always on his toes and prepared for whatever she threw at him.

Shauna took her time, tossed up the ball — keeping her back arched and knees bent the way he’d shown her — and served. The ball sailed past him. At that second, he knew he was a goner. Score: Love, Fifteen.

Chapter Three

Thanks, Ella. Shauna set the phone in the cradle, and opened the bottom drawer of her desk to hide the half sandwich she hadn’t had time to finish. It figured Grayson would show up early for their meeting, trying to gain the upper hand. Thank goodness her secretary had agreed to warn her of his arrival, and hadn’t questioned the reason why.

She inspected the front of her white blouse. She’d give anything to appear cultured and beautiful, the way Grayson’s girlfriends always appeared on television, but she couldn’t do that today. Her professional attire would have to be good enough.

With one last brush down the front of her for any hidden crumbs, she scooted her chair closer to the desk and pretended to study the computer. What she wouldn’t allow Grayson to see was how she practically vibrated inside knowing he would strut through the door at any second. Every day since she’d left Cottage Grove, she’d asked herself why she remained hung up on him. The answer was simple: she loved him. He’d touched her life in a way that no other person had done.

No matter how hard she’d tried to explain her unreciprocated love for him in the past, he’d brushed her off as silly. But time away never lessened her feelings, and only made her more determined to capture his heart. If he wasn’t going to find her impossible to live without, she had to do something to change his mind.

That’s when she’d decided to quit her job running the Women’s Outreach program in Graham County and come back home.

Ella’s high-pitched giggle floated past the closed door, and Shauna rolled her eyes. Even her fifty-three-year-old secretary wasn’t immune to Grayson’s charm. She pursed her lips and stared at the keyboard in front of her. How many times had she flirted, tried to cajole a smile, a joke, a personal reaction from Grayson, and failed? How could she compete with the other million women vying for the former Wimbledon tennis champion?

A knock startled her out of the painful memory. Come in.

Grayson breezed into the room, nodded, and proceeded to sit on the edge of her desk instead of taking a chair the way most people would. Okay, you’ve won this round, Shauna. I’m here. What’s so important that we had to meet at your office, and you couldn’t have talked to me after your lesson?

She didn’t need to see his onyx colored eyes to feel the fluttery sensation in the pit of her stomach. It wasn’t as if she’d planned to fall helplessly in love with him. It would be much simpler if another man showed up in her life and made her heart race and her legs go weak. Maybe then she’d be able to go on with her life and be content.

Thanks for coming by the office. I’ve asked you here because this is official city business. She handed him a folder, and quickly pulled back her hand. When I took over Stan Dogger’s position, he mentioned your charitable contributions toward the town in the past, and I’m hoping you’ll be willing to continue that relationship working with me.

His brows lowered. I don’t see why not.

Good. I was hoping you’d say that. She leaned back in her chair, unwilling to let his high perch on her desk unsettle her. I want to do something big. Not only to show the city that I’m up to my new job, but also because I believe it can happen. It needs to happen.

He grunted. I’m almost afraid to ask.

Don’t be. Together, I think we could pull off an event that’d put Cottage Grove on the map and bring some much needed revenue to a town hit hard with the closing of two manufacturing plants in the last few years. She arched her left eyebrow in challenge. You never know, the community might be so grateful for what you can do, they’ll set a bronze statue of you in the park on Main Street.

His lips twitched. You haven’t been to the park since you returned home, have you?

You’re kidding?

Nope. All six glorious bronze feet of me standing in the open for everyone to look at whenever they want. The sculptor did a magnificent job matching my smile and if the rumor is true, women stand and admire my thighs before they go on their morning walk.

She rubbed her forehead. Okay. I’m sure we can come up with something else, a day off for all city employees in your name —

Got it.

How about I see if I can get you a parking spot right up front at Mr. Winston’s grocery store? She shook her head in wonder.

Done. His smile grew. Betty even rushes out when she sees me pull in and hand delivers one of the newer carts with well-oiled wheels.

And you let her? She snorted. That’s terrible.

He sobered. You know how the town treats me.

Still … She pursed her lips. You’ve already received the town key, right?

He shrugged. That lost its appeal after the third time.

Fine. I’ll have another street named after you. I noticed Main Street is now sporting a Grayson Schyler Street sign. She waited and when he seemed to think about it, she gave an unladylike snort. The point is, what I have planned will not only benefit you, but everyone in the community … but I can’t do it without your help.

Stop for a moment. He leaned toward her and braced his hands on his knees. You haven’t changed a bit, have you? Sure, you look different, but inside you’re still the same troublemaker you were back then.

No. She wasn’t, dammit. She’d come back to show everyone that the Shauna Marino they’d known years ago had grown up. She wasn’t going to screw up again. Grayson would see how she had learned to control her feelings and wouldn’t compromise his position in the community.

This time, she couldn’t fail.

Grayson. She softened her voice. Please, listen. This is important to me, and the town.

Why? he asked. Why do you care?

Because I’ve done a lot of things I’m ashamed of, and I want to show everyone that I’m an important part of this town. She picked up the pen on her desk and clicked the end several times. My dad did the best he could, raising me on my own, but I didn’t make it easy for him after my mom left us, you know? I hurt you and everyone else I involved in my unacceptable behavior. I want to make it up to everyone.

He nodded and stood up. What’s this huge proposal you have in mind?

She pointed at the folder in his hand. Look at the first page and tell me about the people I have listed.

Grayson scanned the sheet, shrugged, and moved over to sit in the chair. Bruce Coldwell’s a buddy of mine. In fact, last week he returned from a Pro Bass fishing expedition in North Dakota. Gary Satchel is on hiatus until the NFL season starts. Crista Johnson — he glanced at her, smiled, and chuckled under his breath — I had dinner with her in Palm Springs last weekend. She’s training to win the Iron Man again this year, and is in fine shape.

Shauna crossed her legs and clasped her hands together on her lap. The urge to crack her knuckles in success, get up on the desk, and dance in victory came too early. He hadn’t agreed to anything, so instead she mentally clapped herself on research well done. It hadn’t been easy discovering Grayson’s friends. He was a private person, despite his flamboyant way of parading his string of girlfriends around in front of the camera.

Juan Santiago is out of commission. He’s recovering from surgery to repair his shoulder. I believe it was a blown rotary cup. It’s iffy if he’ll be ready in time for the winter Olympics. The head coach for the men’s downhill ski team seems to think he’ll be able to hit the slopes in time, but Juan is worried. He’s young though, so he can afford to wait another four years. The last name is Dominic Chekovsky. He’s at the top of his hockey career playing for the San Jose Sharks, and rarely takes time away from the ice rink. I haven’t seen him for six months. The last time I talked to him, he told me he was hiding out in his home country of Russia to get away from the press here in the states. He closed the folder and leaned forward. Now why don’t you tell me what this is all about, and why you’ve collected a list of my closest friends?

I’d like to put together a charity event. I’d make simple requests on the athletes’ part. It wouldn’t take much of their time, but would be huge for Cottage Grove. Crista could lead a one-hour training course for kids, get them motivated about exercise, and help them realize that real people can achieve dreams. Maybe she could run a short 2k race with others if she was willing. Dominic could stand in and let people challenge him shot for shot with the hockey stick. The winner would receive one thousand dollars, which would come out of the two-dollar admittance fee. She inhaled and swallowed.

That’s all? he huffed.

Seriously, Grayson, it won’t be hard on them. I’m only asking for three days of their time. If we could convince them to stay and eat with the community, sign autographs, even better. In return, I’ll advertise the event countrywide. I project the tourism alone for the hotels, restaurants, and novelty stores in Cottage Grove will earn more than they do in a year with all the people who would come to see the celebrities.

He shook his head. You’re missing one important part of your plan that could bomb the whole idea.

What’s that? She raised her brow.

What’s in it for the celebrities? They’re taking the time and expense of coming here to help. He narrowed his eyes. Plus, what are you willing to do for me if I help you?

Shauna stood up and walked around to the front of her desk. I’m hoping you could ask them, as a friend, and convince them that this would be a miracle for Cottage Grove … along with participating in the event yourself. The media attention alone will boost their career and give them extra coverage. It’ll be great PR.

He sighed. When do you want to hold the event?

Three months from now. The last week of September. She clasped her hands together in front of her. The weather will be perfect, and the timing won’t interfere with the kids’ camp you run in August.

Grayson nodded. Let me see what I can do. I’m not promising anything. That’s a lot of different people who run on individualized schedules, and three months isn’t a lot of time to rearrange their lives.

I know, but you can do it. Everybody lov … looks up to you, respects you.

You still haven’t answered my question. He cocked his brow. What are you going to do for me if I help you?

She swallowed. I suppose you won’t believe me if I tell you I promise not to have a thing to do with you after we’re through with the event …

He shook his head. You’ve forgotten that I know you. You never do anything without an ulterior motive. I’ll need more than that.

I-I don’t have anything —

Oh, but I think you do. He stared at her mouth. Sex.

What? She laughed to hide her gasp and the way goose bumps broke out over her body.

I want to have sex with you. He licked his lips. Don’t tell me you’re shy. You walked into my office naked when you were eighteen years old and offered yourself to me. You’re no longer a little girl — he glanced down at her breasts, — and I want to take you up on your offer now.

Oh God. He had to bring up the one incident she’d like to forget. She smoothed her shirt over her stomach, feeling naked under his gaze. She wouldn’t make the mistake of trying to seduce him again.

That won’t be happening. Remember, I’m back to help the city. Plus, I’ve given up on my pursuit of the great Grayson Schyler. She studied the framed picture on the wall behind Grayson. Help me do this for Cottage Grove. The town needs help, Grayson. I’ve spent hours scouring through the city’s accounts. Cottage Grove will be lucky to have enough money left over to pave the potholes within the city limits at the end of the fiscal year.

I know. Grayson sighed and ran his hand across the back of his neck. I’ll see what I can do, okay?

Shauna looked up and smiled. Really?

Yeah. I’m not promising that I can get them all to agree to come and help, but I’ll try. He lifted his arm and checked his watch. I’ve got to go. I’m supposed to meet Stephanie for lunch, and I’m already late. I wouldn’t want to disappoint her.

Stephanie of the triple Ds and bleached hair — She clamped her mouth shut.

She caught him staring at her, and she wrinkled her nose. Maybe she’d whispered the question, or only imagined she spoke aloud … dammit.

Um … uh, that’s great. Let me know as soon as you can. In the meantime, I’ll work on organizing the events and I’ll send you an itinerary to pass to the others. That way they’ll have an idea of what will be required of them. She swallowed. The gulp seemed to echo in the silence.

Fine. His mouth curved and he stood up from the chair, cocking his head. I didn’t know you had such a lovely impression of Stephanie.

I don’t. She means nothing to me. I couldn’t care less about who you’re dating. She lifted her chin and stood up straighter. Although, Stephanie must have grandchildren by now …

Stephanie’s reputation was well known even back when Shauna was in high school. She’d often babysit Stephanie’s two young children while Stephanie went out on her dates.

Impossible. Her kids are still in school. Besides, men enjoy the company of a mature, sexually satisfying woman who knows how to —

Enough. Shauna stuck out her lower lip and blew the hair out of her face. God, it’s hot in here.

Okay. He chuckled. I’ve agreed to help you. In the meantime, think about my request. I’ll be in touch.

The room turned into a garbage compacter, pressing in on all sides as Grayson loomed over her. She wanted to jump up and tell him yes. Yes, she’d have sex with him, here in the office, on the floor, or every day at one o’clock if he asked.

She fought what she wanted to say, and simply said, I’m so over you.

Cute. Grayson chuckled as he walked away.

She watched him cross the room, her gaze sweeping over his tall frame. His broad shoulders, straight and proud, were encased in a snug, white T-shirt, and showed off a body he’d trained into shape his whole life. Graceful yet powerful, he strolled out of the room confident and secure. She sighed. Around him, she felt inadequate. She’d give anything to show him the woman she was inside, and not the awkward girl he remembered.

Chapter Four

After lunch with Stephanie, Grayson closed himself behind the doors in his office at the center. Stretched out on the lounge chair near the window, he stared up at the ceiling. In less than twenty-four hours, Shauna had wormed her way back into his life and was already messing with his head.

What should’ve turned into an afternoon of sex with Stephanie had fizzled the second he’d sauntered out of Shauna’s office into the sunlight after their meeting. How could he throw himself into romancing Stephanie when all he saw were Shauna’s flashing eyes daring him? Oh, she might not have said the words, but he saw a challenge when it came.

He never thought he’d see Shauna again, in the flesh, in Cottage Grove. When she’d left, he figured she’d go on to some big city, do wonderful things with her life, and then settle down and have a family. That’s what he’d wanted for her. It was what she deserved.

What the hell was she doing back? He rubbed the spot on his chest, over his heart. She was up to something. He’d bet the tennis center on it.

He could remember exactly how he’d reacted to her yesterday in her white tennis skirt and light pink shirt, clinging to her tight but curvy figure. The buttons had been left undone on her top, leaving him glimpses of the deep valley between her breasts, and making his hands itch when she jogged back and forth returning the ball to him. She hadn’t lost her skill of playing and it bothered him that his own game had spiraled out of control around her.

He’d never had trouble getting his head in the game before, but yesterday he’d fumbled with the balls, tripped over the toe of his sneakers, and one time completely missed a serve. It had taken all his concentration to keep from sporting the biggest erection in his life while on the court. At the end of the hour-long lesson, he’d been lightheaded and sweating like a pig.

What he needed to do was call up one of his standby women and lose himself in an afternoon of sex.

He enjoyed going through women the way he did tennis shoes. One-nighters, a couple hours together, a midnight rendezvous entertained and satisfied him. Long-term relationships were for other people, not him. With his kind of lifestyle, he didn’t have time for love.

The Shauna that’d returned to Cottage Grove was different, but he could still see past the fake confidence. She tottered between total seductress and naïve girl next door. There was no way he could ignore the way her hands had shaken and how her breath had come in small gasps this afternoon. His whole psyche wanted to comfort her, and welcome her back with open arms. The chemistry between them had the ability to explode if he allowed it.

She’d made his life hell. As someone in the public eye, he’d gone to great strains not to allow the media to misread their relationship, which hadn’t always been easy. She was stubborn, foolish, and lived in her own dreamed up world.

Still, he couldn’t help appreciating her for all her eccentricity.

She’d always gone out of her way to say something nice, bake him cookies, or even sit outside on the steps at the center and babble on about the silliest thing in a time of his life when he’d needed the distraction. He’d looked forward to those times together with her, because the diversion kept him from dwelling on everything lacking in his own life.

Their friendship had seemed innocent. He was a messed up young adult, shoved into a life playing tennis with no direction off the court. Shauna had seemed to sense when he needed her the most, and he took her friendship, soaking up everything good about her to keep himself sane. With her, he could say what he wanted, laugh over her goofiness without fear of the cameras catching something on his face or in his words that he didn’t want them to see.

When his parents showed no incentive to attend his matches, she’d cheered louder than anyone. He wasn’t just a ranking, a bragging right, a cash machine with her. She’d honestly wanted to support him for the sole purpose of seeing him win.

After his parents died, she’d showed up more often. Most times, she’d sit with him at the center, not saying a word, silently comforting him in a way his managers and fans couldn’t. With her, he had never been alone.

It was during those sweet moments with her that he’d felt normal. To everyone else, his friendship with Shauna had bordered on improper. He’d been her coach and too old to form a friendship with someone under the age of eighteen. The others in town had never understood that despite the age gap, despite the difference in their lifestyle, despite the trouble Shauna caused, they’d bonded on the most basic level. He’d needed her as much as she needed him.

She was headstrong and impulsive. He admired the way she could thumb her nose at everyone in town and dance to her own beat. Something he wanted to do many times since the age of eight, when others had already planned his life course for him. He had managers that came and went, lessons, camps, tutors who traveled the world with him, and all he’d wanted to do was shuck off all his responsibility and go fishing. He scoffed. Okay, maybe not fishing, but he definitely wanted to do whatever caught his interest at the time.

Even now, when he could do anything he wanted, he still clung to what was familiar. He was too set in his ways, and scared of forging out from under the umbrella of fame, to take another chance. When would he ever have the freedom to do what he wanted?

Going by what she’d proposed this morning, Shauna was still the same girl, only smarter. He groaned and placed his arm on his forehead. Except, Shauna wasn’t an innocent anymore and he could see the advantages of working with her to help boost Cottage Grove’s economy. A large part of him wanted her to pull him into whatever kind of trouble she was creating.

Was he crazy? He knew why he couldn’t become involved with Shauna. It would be too irresponsible of him. He lived fast and furious. He’d only end up hurting her.

Before she’d left town, he’d been too old for her, too experienced. Now that he was thirty-one years old, he had everything: money, status, fame, and women. Relationships came and went, exactly the way he liked them.

The last thing he needed in his life was Shauna. But then why couldn’t he get her out of his mind?

A soft knock jolted him out of his thoughts. He remained stretched out in the chair. The door’s unlocked.

Speak of the devil. Shauna stepped inside the opened doorway, looking tempting and fresh. I thought I’d hand deliver the plans to you personally on my way home for the day.

She wore a tight, black skirt that skimmed the middle of her thighs. She’d swept her black hair over her left shoulder, but the strands didn’t hide the way her low-cut blouse strained against her full breasts. Her chest rose and fell, and he rubbed his lips together. She’d stayed away from him for exactly three and a half hours.

Why are you glowering at me? Shauna raised the folder and held it protectively in front of her.

What are you doing here? He glanced up at her face. Come to take me up on my offer?

No. She stepped over and sat the information down on his desk. I already told you. I came to drop off the information I promised you. I finished earlier than I’d planned, and you mentioned the tight deadline, so I thought I’d jump on it. Call me efficient.

You have a fax machine. He answered her more abrasively than necessary. Next time, you can call my secretary and she’ll give you the number, unless you want to swing by and replay the last time you knocked on my office door sans clothes.

She crossed her arms. I’m going to ignore that comment. I assumed it would be easier to stop in and deliver them since I’m staying with my dad and I pass the tennis center on the way home, but next time I won’t.

He sat up and shrugged. Fine.

She scoffed.

What’d you make that noise for?

You. I thought you forgave me for all the things I used to put you through but apparently, you’re still holding it against me. I thought bigger of you. She licked her lips. At one time, you were the only thing that kept me sane after my mom left. When I couldn’t go to my dad, I threw myself into my lessons and spent every spare moment at the center. I thought we were friends. I might have been a little incorrigible —

A little? He laughed. Do you have any idea how many of my girlfriends you chased away?

She waved off his question. You weren’t serious about any of them. Besides, I was doing you a favor.

Some favor. He shook his head. What about the time you packed a picnic basket and insisted I join you outside for lunch?

I was sixteen, Grayson. She flipped her hair over her shoulder. All you had to do was say no.

You asked me in the middle of a press conference! He narrowed his eyes. I had to go to lunch with you, or be verbally whipped every time I stepped out of the house by reporters wanting to know what was going on between us. Do you know what kind of light that would’ve cast over my career if they found out how you … you wanted me? I was twenty-three years old. The press would’ve nailed me to the billboard on the edge of town if they even thought I was returning your affection.

I —

If that wasn’t bad enough, you asked the camera guys to film the whole picnic. What kind of person does such a thing? He waited for her to answer.

Well, then, I apologize, she whispered.

Listen, sweetheart. He stood up and stepped in front of her. Maybe having us work together isn’t such a good idea.

A gleam of deviltry flashed in her eyes. Why? Because I drove you nuts when I was younger? How many times must I say I’m sorry … for my past?

You stalked me.

Which I’ve apologized for many times over. Maybe you’re the one having problems forgiving and forgetting. She glanced away. Don’t make me sound crazy. You were there. You felt it too.

He narrowed his eyes. Do you still have all those pictures of me you cut out of magazines stapled above your bed?

No. Shauna’s gaze flickered to the window, and her hesitation amused him.

Shauna … He leaned down, until his lips were inches from her mouth. It’d be good between us. You’re no longer a little girl, and I’m not a man who plays games. Nothing will stop me. I have no problem with taking you right here, on top of my desk, for the whole town to see. You’re no longer an eighteen-year-old girl wanting to lose her virginity — there’s nothing stopping me from taking what I see in your eyes.

My eyes?

Mmhm. His nostrils flared. I see how your eyelids flutter and your pupils dilate every time I step close to you.

They do? She raised her hand to her cheek.

You have this little habit of catching your lower lip between your teeth, and staring at my mouth as if you want to lean forward and —

I do not! She clamped her lips closed.

Oh yeah, I’d have no problems taking what you offer me, right now. He cocked his head. Twice.

You would not.

Try me.

You seem to have a faulty memory, because I’ve asked you before. You chickened out. A woman doesn’t forget when a man tells her no, especially when she’s stripped bare, emotionally and physically. She stepped around him, but he called out her name before she could slink away. What?

He paused, but he never stopped looking at her. I remember. I remember every little detail about that night. I remember how willing you were to give me your body.

Then you walked away and called my dad.

He nodded. Biggest mistake of my life.

I was crushed.

I know. He sighed. Maybe I can make up for hurting your feelings.

By having sex with me now? She laughed harshly. I don’t think so.

Do you have a ticket to McMillian’s Vineyard for Saturday?

Grayson, don’t be a jerk, she whispered. You know how much I’ve always wanted to go. It’s the biggest event of the summer, but my social standing in Cottage Grove hasn’t changed. Heading the Chamber of Commerce isn’t exactly living the high life on Knob Hill. Don’t tease me.

I never tease. That’s something you should learn. He picked a ticket off the top of his desk, and handed it over to her. Call it a welcome home gift.

T-thank you. She stared at the white slip of paper with gold writing. Are you going to the function?

I might show up. He sat down at the desk and propped his feet on the top. It depends on if my date wants to waste her time going to a silly party instead of spending time with me … alone.

She blushed a rosy pink, which set his blood on fire. He could almost hear her thoughts, and he smirked. She wanted him, but she had no idea how to go about it. In fact, he’d bet a thousand bucks that if he put the moves on her, she’d run out the door.

Are you taking Stephanie? She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth.

He crossed his arms across his chest and raised his brows. He could play her game. If she wanted to pretend she didn’t come back for him, he’d make her work for it. Does the thought of me dating Stephanie bother you? This is the second time you’ve mentioned her.

No! She frowned.

I think you protest too much. He shooed her out of the room. You might have everyone else fooled that you’re all grown up, but not me. I’m not going to protect your feelings anymore, Shauna. I want you. I’ve always wanted you.

But, you —

He held up his hand. I only go out with women who can handle me sexually — and you want a commitment and a happily ever after. I live for the moment, because it really doesn’t matter to me what happens tomorrow. If you don’t want to play with fire, stay away.

Without replying, she was out the door and gone. He dropped into the chair. The hell of it was that he was fiercely attracted to her. She was a beautiful woman, but he wasn’t willing to break her heart.

Chapter Five

On Friday night, it seemed as if a quarter of the population of Cottage Grove was gathered inside the Quayside Lounge. It was the first time since returning that Shauna was able to meet up with her best friends, Kate Johnson and Diana Spencer, in their old hang out. But this time, she was walking through the doors being of legal age.

Ha! Like her age had ever stopped her from wearing her sexiest blouse and top-of-the-thigh mini skirt at seventeen years old. She couldn’t count the number of times she’d snuck into the lounge, acting as if she owned the place, with one purpose on her mind: to keep tabs on Grayson, and show him she was mature enough to be his girlfriend.

A shiver of nervousness skittered up her spine and she raked her teeth over her bottom lip. He’d changed in the years since she’d seen him last. He’d always been confident and sexier than any man should be allowed, but she’d noticed a new sexual prowess in him that made her nervous, excited, and every emotion in between. She hadn’t been able to resist her attraction to him back then, and yesterday’s meetings had proven to her that she wasn’t immune to him now.

For a brief moment, she wondered if she’d get lucky tonight and Grayson would stop in at the Quayside. No, that would be bad. She had to stay strong if she was going to prove her worth to the town. Whatever happened, she was here to connect with her friends, not Grayson.

She spotted Kate, her platinum blond hair severely pulled back into a tight bun. Kate’s exotic almond-shaped eyes she’d inherited from her Korean mother lit up and she waved. Shauna grinned and worked her way through the crowd. Kate grew more beautiful each time Shauna saw her.

Beside Kate, Diana lifted her glass in the air and laughed about something Kate said. Diana’s short, curly hair framed a heart-shaped face that always had a hint of attitude. Shauna relaxed. Without her friends, she would have a lonely life. They accepted her and there were no judgments aimed in her direction.

Having grown up together, they had each gone their separate ways for college, but kept in continual contact and often came together whenever they could afford a weekend away to meet at the beach. Although she’d seen them last month, tonight was exciting because they were all home for good.

Kate had dropped out her sophomore year, and come back to Cottage Grove and to her boyfriend, Jackson McMillian. Diana had graduated last year and returned to Cottage Grove as the new manager at the hotel, not far from the Chamber of Commerce building where Shauna worked. Together again, Shauna truly felt at home.

Voices mingled with a Nickleback song. Laughter echoed as one rather outgoing brunette woman danced suggestively on the dance floor in the middle of the room. Shauna flipped her long hair over her shoulder and edged her way around the room.

Kate and Diana sat in the back corner of the room, by the window.

About time you got here. Kate hugged her before scooting over and giving Shauna the closest chair to the aisle.

Sorry. She sat and accepted the glass of wine Diana moved in front of her. I got tied up at work, and then I needed to run back home and throw my blouse in the washer. I dropped a bite of salad on my shirt during lunch and I didn’t want the stain to set in.

What’s it like being back in the house you were raised in, having your dad watch your every move? Kate’s eyes widened. I think I’d go crazy if I moved back home. I know my sex life would suffer.

Shauna laughed. You’re such a liar. That didn’t stop you from sneaking out in high school and meeting all your boyfriends down at the abandoned railroad track on the edge of town.

True. Kate sighed. I can’t believe how long ago that was. Independence is wonderful.

How do you like your new job? Diana clinked her glass against Shauna’s. Isn’t it wild to run into people you haven’t seen in years? The talk around the hotel is you’re making quite the impression. People hardly recognized you.

She laughed. That’s a good thing. I’m still ticked off at you two for not telling me how awful I looked growing up.

Don’t blame us. Kate smiled. We knew you were gorgeous under all that hair — we didn’t want you getting all the attention so we let you continue being the Jane of the group.

Although, we had no idea your boobs would keep growing. Diana nudged Kate. Do you think they’ve stopped?

Shauna gasped. Oh, you are not going there! I’m not the one who got the boob job the second I moved away.

Kate shrugged. I’m proud of my yingyangs.

Apparently, so is Jackson. He sent me a picture of them on the phone when I called to see how you were doing after surgery. Shauna grinned, and held her hands out in front of her.

Figures. Kate rolled her eyes. That’s what I get for letting him pay for half the bill.

Diana slapped the table. He owns one of your boobs?

Kate widened her eyes, glancing back and forth from Diana and Kate. Oh my God. I never thought of that. He does.

Which one are you giving him? Shauna raised her glass and sipped.

Hm. Kate ducked her chin and studied her chest. This one, I think. It’s closest to my heart.

"That’s exactly why I don’t have a man in my